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Gun rights: Join the NRA; The role of state militias

It is evident our lawmakers, cowering in the corner from the wrath of the NRA, will do nothing to impede the acquisition of guns, thereby reducing now commonplace mass random killings [“Open carry supporters in Texas take issue with NRA,” Nation & World, June 3].

So, we as citizens must take action and neuter the NRA’s influence.

How? The NRA currently has 4.3 million members. The annual dues for membership is $25. If 4.5 million advocates for sane gun-control legislation join the NRA immediately, we would have the power to take over the organization and redirect or eliminate its political influence.

In comparison to the $4,000 per year I spend on car and home insurance, I’d say $25 a year to feel safer and to ensure common-sense gun policies that prevent or reduce the likelihood of another Seattle Pacific University or Sandy Hook is a real bargain.

I’m joining the NRA today. How about you?

T. Skylar Tennent, Tacoma

The role of state militias

A recent letter writer claimed that gun rights can only be understood if one reads the “Federalist Papers.” But as is so often the case with gun extremists, they intentionally ignore half the story.

The Founding Fathers did indeed fear centralized power, but personal gun rights were never their intent or solution. Instead, they believed that state militias were required to prevent abusive centralized power, and that each individual was required to participate in “well regulated militias” to ensure the common good.

The Second Amendment was never about personal gun rights. It speaks about the “people,” not individuals.

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